SOUTH COAST LEAGUE

Graphics

SAN CLEMENTE Contrary to popular belief, the El Toro Chargers do run the ball on occasion.

With starting running back
Marcus DeSantis out for the past month because of a broken collarbone, the Chargers have had to rely on the right arm of junior quarterback
Trey Tinsley in their past three games.

Tinsley was spectacular in those games and again turned in a solid performance Friday night, completing 20 of 36 passes for 221 yards. But it was DeSantis who provided balance to the Chargers attack in leading El Toro to its third consecutive victory, a 29-7 triumph over San Clemente in both teams' South Coast League opener at San Clemente High.

DeSantis, playing in his first game since Sept. 13, rushed for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.

“I really missed playing with my family,” DeSantis said. “I really wanted to be out there, but Trey did a great job (in my absence).”

It took awhile for DeSantis and the Chargers to get going as San Clemente played stellar defense and controlled the ball in the first half behind a solid ground game led by
Vlad Dzhabiev and
Sebastian Delgadillo. El Toro didn't help its cause as twice it had long runs nullified by penalties.

“We were our own worst enemy,” Chargers coach
Robert Frith said. “We made way too many mental mistakes in the first half.”

El Toro took a 3-0 lead with 7:33 left in the half on a 23-yard field goal by
Aaron Ball, but the Tritons (2-5, 0-1 SCL) marched 82 yards on 12 plays on its next possession, capping the drive with a 32-yard touchdown run by quarterback
Loren Applegate.

But that was all the Tritons could muster as the Chargers' defense held San Clemente to just three first downs and 81 yards in the second half.

El Toro (4-3, 1-0 SCL) dominated the final 24 minutes, scoring four touchdowns on its five possessions of the half — the first two coming on 5- and 6-yard runs by DeSantis.

“What a warrior,” Frith said of DeSantis. “For him to come back and take over the game is a testament to his character.”

Ahead 16-7 early in the fourth quarter, Tinsley tossed his lone touchdown of the night, a 28-yard pass to
Taylor Dodds.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.